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The Philippines is revising its laws about online gaming. The state regulator, PAGCOR, announced intentions for stricter control this Wednesday. The Senate Committee on Gambling and Entertainment was shown these documents by Chairman Alejandro Tengco. The organization aims to preserve transparency and protect players in the growing digital sector.
A Potential Total Ad Ban
PAGCOR wants to eliminate gambling advertisements completely. Current rules only ban these ads during prime time hours on television and radio. Broadcasters have asked to air spots during off-peak times to earn revenue. However, Tengco expressed a desire to enforce a complete prohibition across all broadcast media. This follows a crackdown from last year. In 2025, authorities mandated that gambling advertisements be taken down from billboards and public transportation. They also mandated that all promotions be vetted by social media sites. These days, authorities instantly prohibit any unlawful advertisements they come across online.
Selfies Required for Play
The regulator is also strengthening identity verification. Jessa Mariz Fernandez heads the licensing department. She explained that players must now pass a two-step authentication process. Users cannot just provide a name and contact number anymore. New rules require players to upload a valid government ID. They must also submit a real-time selfie before they can deposit money. This ensures that the person playing matches the identification on file.
Blunt Warnings for Bettors
PAGCOR is changing how it speaks to the public. The agency adopted a new, stark tagline: “Gambling is addictive. Know when to stop.” This replaces the previous, softer slogan that simply told users to “Keep it fun.” Reports suggest this change is intentional. The regulator wants to use the word “gambling” directly. This bluntness aims to address public backlash against the industry. It also serves to preempt stricter scrutiny from lawmakers.
Clarifying the Player Count
Tengco corrected misconceptions about the size of the market during the hearing. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian estimated that 32 million Filipino adults actively use legal platforms. The PAGCOR chief clarified the real numbers. He explained that while 32 million accounts exist, only 10 million players remain active. He noted that gamblers often register with multiple operators. They switch platforms frequently depending on their luck. This behavior inflates the total registration numbers.
The Fight for E-Wallets
PAGCOR hopes these stricter rules will help the industry in other ways. The agency wants to restore payment links for e-wallets like GCash and Maya. The Central Bank ordered these apps to remove gambling links last August. Tengco believes that stronger safeguards will convince banking authorities to reverse that decision. He argues that better security justifies reconnecting payment providers to gaming operators. This would streamline transactions for the 10 million active players in the country.
New Help for Vulnerable
The regulator is also focusing on responsible gambling. They are building a 24/7 helpline for players in distress. This project involves a partnership with the Seagulls Flock Organisation. The nonprofit group will also host a major conference on addiction in Manila this May.
Source: Senate of the Philippines
